Fast X burns rubber but loses direction
A high-octane spectacle packed with the franchise’s signature stunts, Fast X delivers the action fans crave but struggles under the weight of its convoluted plot. It’s a familiar ride—fast cars, explosions, and a heavy dose of family—but this time around, the series seems to be running on fumes when it comes to story cohesion.
Fast X picks up right where the saga left off, as Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew face off against a new adversary, Dante (Jason Momoa), who is determined to exact revenge for past wrongs. In typical Fast & Furious fashion, the plot is a global race against time filled with death-defying chases and gravity-defying stunts. The action sequences are undeniably thrilling, with every car chase and explosion meticulously choreographed for maximum impact. Leterrier cranks up the chaos to eleven, giving fans exactly what they came for: pure, unfiltered adrenaline.
Jason Momoa steals the show, portraying Dante as a flamboyant, unhinged villain who’s both menacing and hilariously over-the-top. His unpredictable energy adds a refreshing dynamic to the film, contrasting with the stoic Dom and his loyal crew. However, while Momoa brings charisma and some much-needed humor to the story, the film’s relentless focus on spectacle often leaves character development in the dust. Many returning cast members, including Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson, feel underutilized, reduced to delivering one-liners and participating in increasingly absurd set pieces.
The script attempts to weave together multiple storylines, jumping across various cities and subplots. Unfortunately, this approach leaves the narrative feeling bloated and disjointed. At times, Fast X seems more concerned with setting up future installments than telling a cohesive story in the present. The family themes, once the heart of the franchise, feel almost shoehorned in amidst the chaotic mayhem. It’s as if the film is on autopilot, racing from one explosive moment to the next without taking time to catch its breath.
Despite these issues, there’s a sense of guilty pleasure in watching Fast X unfold. The sheer audacity of its stunts—cars smashing through helicopters, tumbling down cliffs, and, of course, defying physics—provides a spectacle that’s hard to look away from. Leterrier’s direction ensures that each action set piece is grander and more bombastic than the last, leaning fully into the franchise’s “go big or go home” ethos.
Fast X knows its audience and delivers exactly what it promises: fast cars, furious action, and a sprinkling of melodrama. It’s not the most polished entry in the series, and its story feels like it’s running on fumes, but for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape, it’s a ride worth taking. Just don’t expect to find much under the hood beyond the glitz and gas.
